Research Professional 1/2 - Research Lab

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 30,844 - 39,054; Full time

Job summary

University of Minnesota in Saint Paul seeks a Research Professional 1/2 to join Dr. Andrew Adams’ Lab. The role focuses on basic and translational research in transplantation, including costimulation studies and xenotransplantation.

You will work with mouse colonies and perform molecular analyses, data integration, and literature review to support grant‑funded projects. The position offers collaboration with senior researchers, publication‑quality data preparation, and opportunities to

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent combination of education and experience totaling at least four years.
• BA/BS and at least two years of related experience or equivalent combination totaling at least six years.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn complex processes and work collaboratively in a scientific setting.
• On-site work Monday–Friday with flexible schedule as needed.
• Ability to stand for several hours and lift up to 25 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic molecular and biochemical analyses on animal specimens using fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, cell culture, and DNA/RNA/protein assays.
• Prepare media and perform standard molecular biology techniques.
• Collect and integrate data; review literature for methods.
• Maintain mouse colony management, breeding, weaning, and litter monitoring.
• Maintain lab equipment, stock items, and documentation in notebooks and databases.
• Conduct literature research on relevant topics, reagents, and ethics.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team player

Laboratory skills

Education

BA/BS or equivalent

BA/BS + 6 yrs exp

Job description

Research Professional 1/2 – Research Lab

This position is within Dr. Andrew Adams’ Lab in the Department of Surgery at the University of Minnesota. We seek a motivated researcher with a strong interest in basic and translational clinical research. A background in immunology or a related field (molecular biology, virology, genetics, etc.) is a bonus. The role reports to Dr. Andrew Adams and Dr. Neal Iwakoshi and supports research in costimulation blockade and costimulation‑independent rejection, xenotransplantation, transplant diagnostics, and transplant outcomes.

This is a great opportunity for a BA/BS level scientist to join a cutting‑edge academic laboratory focused on developing novel cellular and molecular therapies to prevent graft rejection and induce immune transplant tolerance.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform a variety of basic molecular and biochemical analyses on animal specimens, including fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, cell isolation, freeze/thaw of archived cells, cell culture, flow‑cytometric characterization and purification (sorting), and biochemical assays on DNA, RNA, and protein.
• Prepare media and perform various molecular biology techniques.
• Collect and integrate data from multiple sources; review literature for relevant scientific information and methods.
• Maintain mouse colony management, breeding, weaning, and litter monitoring.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and order and stock items.
• Keep detailed records of all experiments and procedures in laboratory notebooks, databases, spreadsheets, and web‑based applications.
• Conduct background literature research on relevant topics, including current methods, reagents, and ethics.
• Prepare media, enzymes, and solutions under sterile conditions in large quantities.

Additional Duties for Researcher 2 (8352R2)

• Perform intermediate to advanced molecular and biochemical analyses on animal and human specimens, followed by statistical analysis and preliminary interpretation of results.
• Help monitor and train undergraduate student workers and volunteers.
• Oversee laboratory equipment usage, training personnel/volunteers, and maintain performance records.
• Draft sections of primary research manuscripts, prepare publication‑quality figures, and provide data summaries for grant applications.
• Independent work with less direction and serve as a resource for junior researchers, volunteers, and students.

Qualifications

Required for Researcher 1 (8351RL)

• BA/BS or equivalent combination of education and experience totaling at least four years.

Required for Researcher 2 (8352RL)

• BA/BS and at least two years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience totaling at least six years.

Required for Both Researcher 1 and 2

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to learn complex processes, demonstrate growth in a scientific field.
• Team player with experience working collaboratively toward common goals.
• Commitment to on‑site work Monday‑Friday with flexible schedule as needed.
• Ability to stand for several hours and lift up to 25 lbs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience performing sterile cell culture and troubleshooting technical problems.
• Understanding of laboratory protocols and regulatory standards for animal use.
• Experience maintaining accurate documentation of procedures and experiments.
• Ability to report progress and direction of projects effectively.
• Experience using software to track data and produce visual representations.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: R1: $22.39 – $25.09; R2: $25.09 – $28.35 (depending on education, qualifications, experience).

Time Appointment: 100% appointment.

Position Type: Civil‑Service & Non‑Faculty Labor Represented Staff.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes competitive wages, paid holidays, generous time off, continuous learning opportunities, low‑cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans, healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts, HSA contributions, disability and life insurance, wellness program, retirement plans, loan forgiveness opportunity, financial counseling, employee assistance, and commuter benefits.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity

The University of Minnesota values diversity and inclusion and is committed to attracting and retaining staff with varied identities and backgrounds. The University provides equal access and opportunity without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, age, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For more information about diversity at the University, visit http://diversity.umn.edu.

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. The University presumes prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.